Greg A. Gerhardt, Ph.D., a professor in the UK College of Medicine’s Department of Neuroscience and holds the Charles D. Lucas Jr. Professorship for Parkinson’s Disease Research, has been honored as a 2026-27 University Research Professor.
His research has focused on “bench to-bedside” development of novel therapeutics and disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson’s disease. He directed the Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Centers of excellence at UK from 1999-2012, one of the 14 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-sponsored Centers. He was the team leader on the Phase I clinical trial on glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor for Parkinson’s disease, which was a joint effort with the biotech company Amgen. He has been involved with numerous projects involving development of drugs and implantable devices with major biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
Gerhardt received his Ph.D. in chemistry and neuroscience from the University of Kansas. He completed postdoctoral training in pharmacology and psychiatry in the College of Medicine at the University of Colorado (CU) Health Sciences Center. He was appointed assistant professor in 1987 at CU, promoted to professor in 1998, and recruited to UK’s College of Medicine in 1999.
Gerhardt has authored or co-authored more than 370 peer-reviewed papers and more than 80 book chapters. He has had consistent funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), industrial partners and private foundations for more than 40 years. He has supervised more than 40 Ph.D. graduate students and mentored more than 100 undergraduates.
He spoke with UKNow about his latest honor as a University Research Professor in this Q&A.
UKNow: What does it mean to you to be recognized as a University Research Professor?
Gerhardt: I have spent my entire career focusing on “bench-to-bedside” research to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease. It is a great honor for me to receive the designation as a University Research Professor and to be part of this distinguished group of scholars at the University of Kentucky.
UKNow: How will the professorships program advance your research?
Gerhardt: This designation will provide funds for pilot projects for my current graduate students and aid in attracting new students and researchers to my laboratory.
UKNow: What inspired your focus on this area of research?
Gerhardt: I became fascinated with Parkinson’s disease when I was an undergraduate student. This inspired me to gain extra training in neurodegenerative diseases, which gave me the opportunity to work with pioneers in the neurochemistry of the human brain.
UKNow: What continues to motivate your work?
Gerhardt: I am fortunate to work with a team of investigators that facilitates taking our laboratory ideas and experiments (bench) and translating them to the clinic (bedside). I am currently involved with numerous clinical trials at UK and have the opportunity to work with patients and their families.
UKNow: How does your research impact Kentucky?
Gerhardt: Our current studies are improving the lives of people who have Parkinson’s disease in the Commonwealth. Our ongoing clinical trials are some of the first in the world to try to slow the progression of the disease. Our work may contribute to improved standard of care for Parkinson’s disease and the quality of life of many people suffering from this neurodegenerative disease.
About the University Research Professors
Each year, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approves a cohort of faculty as University Research Professors. The distinction recognizes excellence in work that addresses scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in Kentucky and the world.
College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000.